80 A COMPENDIUM OF 
of the root. Stillingia has been, and is, em- 
ployed as an alterative in scrofula, syphillis, and 
some skin diseases, but with uncertain results. 
It is used in the form of simple and compound 
sirups, and extract, the latter only being offici- 
nal. Dose 15 to 30 grains or drops (1 to 2 fluid 
grams), 
Symphytum Officinale, Comfrey.—Natural 
order Boraginacese. This perennial plant is a 
native of Europe, but said to grow spontaneously 
in many parts of the United States; usually 
found growing on the banks of the many streams, 
orin damp places. The plant is coarse, and is 
found growing to a height of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 
60 centimeters), with bristly stem, narrow ovate 
or lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are tubu- 
lar or bell-shaped in character, with a five- 
toothed calyx, usually occurring in racemes 
(grape-like), with a pale purple corolla, five se- 
pals, and very short stamens included, anthers 
elongated, style thread-like. The root, which 
is the part used in medicine, is gathered in June 
or early autumn. The root as it occurs in com- 
merce is spindle-shaped, with many branches, 
4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and 
from 2-5 to 4-5 (1 to 2 centimeters) of an inch 
in diameter. As it occurs in the stores it is 
much broken, and found in half and pound pack- 
ages. It is inodorous, mucilaginous, with a fee- 
ble astringent taste, contains mucilage, sugar, 
and a trace of tannin and starch, Plisson isola- 
ted from the root asparagin in small quantities. 
Used as a demulcent in domestic practice only. 
Not officinal, 
